A survivor of the fatal Pennsylvania bus crash describes chaos, heroism after it turned over

38

Survivor Recounts Chaos and Acts of Heroism in Tragic Pennsylvania Bus Accident

A devastating accident occurred on a rainy Sunday night around 11:50 p.m. on southbound Interstate 81, just north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A passenger bus, carrying up to 50 people, collided with another vehicle, leading to a horrific sequence of events. The bus veered off the roadway, hit an embankment, and ultimately overturned on its right side after crashing into a stationary car in the right lane.

Tragically, three bus passengers lost their lives instantly, and numerous others suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe. The injured, including both adults and children, were rushed to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, with some listed in critical condition.

Among the survivors was Matthew Oshiafi, a 39-year-old New York City resident, who was en route to Cincinnati to visit family. Recalling the terrifying moments leading up to the crash, Oshiafi described hearing screeching and feeling the bus shudder before it flipped over. As chaos ensued, people were thrown from their seats, and some were piled on top of each other. The scene was filled with screams and the sight of severely injured and unconscious passengers.

In the midst of the mayhem, Oshiafi noticed a couple with a baby nearby. The woman appeared to be unconscious, and the man was desperately trying to assist her. Acting heroically, Oshiafi took the baby into his care and handed the infant to emergency responders through the broken bus windshield.

The accident quickly became a mass casualty incident, with multiple ambulances and lifeline emergency response teams rushing to the scene to provide aid. The gravity of the situation warranted immediate medical attention for the numerous victims, ranging in age from just one to 69 years old.

As authorities continue to investigate the incident, information about the deceased and further details about the accident are expected to be released in the coming days. The identities of the bus’s owner and driver have not been made public yet.

The Pennsylvania interstate accident stands as a tragic reminder of the unpredictability of life and the courage and compassion that can emerge in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about bus crash

More about bus crash

• Pennlive article: Survivor’s Account of Pennsylvania Bus Crash
• NBC News report on the fatal bus crash: NBC News
• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Hospital Website
• State Police website for official updates: State Police